Vass joined Bedford from Northampton in 2008

Scrum-half Ian Vass says his return to the Bedford starting line-up for the win at Bristol came out of the blue.

The 29-year-old had not played since the final game of last season because of two bulging discs in his lower back.

He told BBC Three Counties Radio: "I've been looking forward to it for quite a long time, I didn't expect it to come quite so quickly.

"I wasn't expecting 80 minutes but fortunately there were a lot of scrums in the game so I got plenty of rest."

Vass endured a long summer on the sidelines as he waited for the injury to settle and says the spell out of the first team has been a frustrating time.

"There were certain points where it seemed like it was dragging on," he added.

"It's always difficult having an injury and I was getting a bit bored watching everyone else play."

The 23-16 win at Bristol was the Blues' fifth victory of the season, keeping them second in the Championship table.

Whether I can do another 80 minutes or not is one of those things where we'll have to wait and see Bedford scrum-half Ian Vass

Cornish Pirates, who are three points behind Mike Rayer's men, head to Goldington Road on Saturday as the two meanest defences in the league come up against each other.

Former Northampton Saints man Vass is hoping to continue his pursuit of full fitness.

"Whether I can do another 80 minutes or not is one of those things where we'll have to wait and see," he said.

"If it rains or it's slow I might be able to get through it."

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